Buddy Up: Social Workouts Can Keep You Active
It seems fitting that I follow up holiday eating with holiday fitness. For most of us, this is about balancing family and friends with exercise. If we start before the New Year begins, the extra effort will motivate us well into warm-weather vacation time.
What truly matters
We should never neglect the important people in our lives. They are a reflection of us and us of them. The ones who love us will also love what we do and vice versa — this includes exercise. Much frustration arises from trying to keep our fitness agenda completely separate from personal relationships. When we find something we love, we will make time to enjoy it. And, we should share our joy with others, such as with gift certificates to our favorite class. Or better yet, to your friend or loved one’s favorite class. It’s always fun to have a workout buddy, especially one you love.
Social and active complement each other
For my birthday, I got a group together for a yoga class at a friend’s studio. Some loved it, some did not, but we all appreciated a great laugh. We enjoyed some exercise and important bonding time. Working out doesn’t have to feel like actual work, and we shouldn’t wait for a special occasion to plan a group event.
Another friend got us together to compete in a dancing video game — one that requires actual dancing. Is there anything wrong with celebrating a random Sunday shaking my butt to Pitbull? How about gathering teams for physically inclined charity events? Although running is the most common, there are other programs involving lots of movement, such as Habitat for Humanity.
Parents will also benefit from scheduling household activities. What adults call exercise, children call playtime. We can all learn from children. Give them a chance to pick and lead an activity. Post a calendar and develop a prize system for activities accomplished. The true reward is their improved development and overall growth as a family.
Traveling? Pack your workout clothes, even if you haven’t made exercise plans. Do your best to stick to your regular schedule and try not to sleep in too much. The presence of the clothes and additional free time will either stimulate or guilt us into action — so will the holiday eating.
Searching for variety and blending it with quality time will enhance the holiday season. If this time of year builds stress then it’s an ideal way to let such negativity go. Shifting our busy minds to enjoyable thoughts and connecting with those in our inner circles is a great way to recharge our spirits.
Have a wonderful holiday and a beautiful New Year.
